Ha Noi Party Secretary Hoang Trung Hai was
interviewed about the controversial plan to fell 1,300 trees for a road
project.
The
public has expressed concerns over the plan to cut down or relocate 1,300 trees
on Pham Van Dong Street for a road expansion project. What do you think?
The Ring Road 3 expansion project also
includes an elevated road that connects with Thang Long Bridge. Everybody wants
to keep the trees but it's impossible when we have an elevated road. We'll
discuss this matter with the Ministry of Transport. Actually, all projects must
gather public opinions when doing ground clearance work. If the project
requires the trees to be relocated, we have to. The city planning always avoids
areas like parks and lakes. Some people even proposed to fill a lake. A
proposal is only a proposal, no one has to agree with it. Relocating the trees
is costly. Moreover, in order to ensure the highest living rate, the trees must
be taken care of with good techniques. I know nothing is absolute.
But
many companies are willing to do this?
Everything needs money. Besides, there are
different kinds of trees, when relocating, they will classify to see which tree
can be moved. I’m also saddened to see such old and huge trees cut down.
When
the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line project was carried out, the public was
outraged because many trees could have been saved. What is your plan to avoid a
similar situation?
Like I said, managers and construction units
must work together to see which plan is the most suitable for both regular and
elevated roads. The authorities will closely monitor the work, and the
residents will also join in the monitoring too. The city authorities are still
gathering opinions about the tree felling plan.
Ha
Noi Department of Construction is gathering opinions to replace 4,000 trees in
the city. What do you think?
They are only gathering opinions then let
them do it. It's not an easy plan to pull off. Moreover, they only gather
opinions to see if the dry zone mahogany is suitable to be planted in the city.
If not, they won't plant this kind of tree in the future. Old trees won't be
replaced. Trees are removed or relocated only when it's unavoidable for some
projects. A tree is very precious.
What
are Ha Noi's party committee's directives?
Ha Noi has its own resolution on the
environment. But according to the plans then the trees must be removed. But
during the implementation, we must gather opinions and search for alternative
solutions.
What'll
happen if the public continues opposing the tree felling plan?
If we can prove that it's necessary to remove
the trees then we must do it. Or else the plan will be cancelled.
Đăng nhận xét